Markman

I have a chance to buy a hi-wheel snapper 26 mower for $ 300 from a guy at my work.       It is a 2002 with a Robin engine.  I cannot find many reviews on this model, but I have seen good reviews on the Robin engine.    The guy at work is not a handy guy, so he had it serviced by his dealer every year and now he is going with a lawn service and wants to sell.   He indicated that he had warranty work done twice:   wheel fell off and a slipping disk drive.  His dealer did all the work and he has all the receipts.   I want this machine because of the size  (I have 15,000 sq ft yard and it takes 2 hours with my underpowered 21 inch).   Need some opinions if this is worth a $ 300 experiment, or if I should invest in a new more powerful 21 inch in the $500-600 range.    

Thanks snow, knee, and nibbler,  these are all great ideas that I will keep a list of.    3 for 3 on changing the oil now means I will change it now.   I assume I should change the 80/90w gear oil also ?    Another topic --- Do any of you use sta-bil fuel ?   If so, how should I use it ?     I have a 2.5 gal and 5 gal gas cans.    I keep the 2.5 in my gargage and use in the winter for the blower and summer for the 21 inch mower.   I leave the 5 gal in my shed and use it for my lawn tractor or as a back-up.    Should I  use the sta-bil every time I fill the cans ?   or is it used only when you summerize or winterize ?    Thanks 

I know this topic has probably been discussed a number of times, but I have looking for some specific advice on summerizing for my Ariens 10hp Tecumseh OHV.   This is a new machine and I want to avoid the yellow carb of my last Ariens.   The machine was used this winter and has about 1/4 tank of fuel left in it.   We are expecting some snow tommorrow, so I hope tommorrow is the last use of the season.   I use 87 octane and no sta-bil fuel.   My plan is to put a few drops of sta-bil fuel in the tank and let it run completely out of fuel and then store it for the summer.   I will add fuel in October, run it, change engine oil and gear oil and let it run it out of fuel again.   Then start using it around December.    I need a better plan.     Any advice would be appreciated. 

Cuz Vin - Big UCONN fan here (plus Soxs and Pats).   Hopefully, our luck won't run out with the Pittsurgh teams (Panthers and Steelers) this weekend.     The game at Storrs will be during a blizzard.   I am assuming it will still be played.  There will probably only be students in the stands who can walk home after.   Got the Ariens 1024 Pro ready for action. 

Predictions for the Hartford area are 10"-15".    Rhode Island and SE Conn are 20".